Features Archive

Travelers spent $117 billion in California in 2014, and tourism provided jobs for more than 1 million
Californians. Many regional destinations are leveraging their unique qualities and characteristics to build local tourism economies.

Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation in September 2014 bringing a successful property tax postponement program back to communities throughout California. Assembly Bill (AB) 2231 (Chapter 703, Statutes of 2014) reinstates and revises the Senior Citizens and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program, which enables qualified Californians living on fixed incomes to remain in their homes and defer payment of all — or a portion of — the property taxes on their residence.

Using laptop computers, tablets and smartphones is part of everyday work and home life. Technology connects us to information and each other. But it can take a toll in the form of eyestrain, back and neck pain, headaches and other — sometimes unexpected — ways.

Teaching something as complex as city management presents a challenge. It’s not only public finance and organizational behavior, it’s also a delicate balance of practical skills, political savvy, on-the-job experience and service. Many top-tier institutions in California are geared to instill the basics, but debate continues about how and what to teach aspiring city managers. Should we acknowledge that not every student will eventually step into the role of city manager? What is the best way to identify potential and nurture it? Can good city management be taught?

Ten of the 2014 freshman state legislators are alumni of the League’s California Civic Leadership Institute® (CCLI) or have participated in aspects of it. This is the largest class of CCLI graduates to win seats in the Legislature in the program’s 10-year history. CCLI is a League Partner-sponsored educational program designed for local government elected officials who are interested in running for the Legislature. Western City recently checked in with the 10 new members to ask what they bring to state office from local government, how CCLI was helpful and what issues are priorities for them in their districts.

All 18 metropolitan planning organizations in California will have adopted their first Regional
Transportation Plans under SB 375 by May 2015. This article looks at what SB 375 has accomplished and things local officials should keep in mind going forward.

An oil boom in North Dakota and
Canada from the Bakken shale
formation and a lack of pipeline
infrastructure have led to a dramatic
increase in oil-by-rail shipments nationwide.
As the volume of oil being
transported by rail has swelled, train
derailments have also increased.